Jetta Hybrid Key System Failure, Antenna Issues Alert

Having experienced a similar issue with my 2016 Passat Hybrid, I can share some relevant insights. Your symptoms match exactly what I encountered last winter, the key fob issues and starting problems pointed to an antenna problem. After some basic troubleshooting, my workshop diagnosed a faulty cable connection at the car antenna mount near the rear bumper. The antenna repair involved replacing both the connector and some wiring. Total cost was 95€ for parts and labor, which seems reasonable given the technical nature of the work. The workshop first tested the key fob battery and scanned for codes, but the real issue was the deteriorated antenna wiring. Apparently, these connection problems are somewhat common in VW models from that generation. Before committing to repairs, you should consider having these checked: Key fob battery condition, All antenna mount points, Radio signal reception quality (can indicate broader antenna issues), Wiring connections at the main antenna locations Could you share: Have you noticed any radio reception issues? Are there any visible damages to the exterior antenna components? Which error codes is the scan tool showing? This information would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced and provide more specific guidance.

Last service completed at 47000km. You raise a good point about checking the car antenna connections. After your reply, I checked the radio signal reception and noticed its also quite poor now, which I hadnt connected to the key fob issues before. The scan tool shows error code B1562 (Antenna Control Module Signal). No visible damage to any antenna mount areas, but there is some corrosion on the main antenna base. The fm antenna seems intact from what I can see, but reception quality gets worse when driving versus standing still. I will definitely have the workshop check all antenna connections as you suggested. Thanks for the heads up about the cost, 95€ seems reasonable if it fixes all these issues. Just want to confirm, did your repair permanently fix both the key fob and radio problems? Were any other components replaced besides the wiring and connector?

Based on your additional details about the error code and symptoms, I am even more convinced your issue matches what I experienced with my VW Passat. The radio signal degradation while driving is particularly telling, this exact behavior occurred with my vehicle due to the loose antenna connections. The repair did permanently resolve both the key fob and radio reception problems in my case. The workshop only needed to replace the antenna wiring harness and connector, no additional components were required. The corrosion you mentioned at the antenna base is significant and likely the root cause, just as it was in my situation. One thing I learned through this repair is that signal interference can affect both the key recognition system and radio reception since they share some antenna components. The B1562 error code you mentioned is the same one my system displayed, which confirms the antenna control module is struggling with signal quality. Some specific points from my repair: Complete fix took about 2 hours, Included cleaning of all antenna mount contact points, Required replacement of corroded wiring section, Workshop applied protective coating to prevent future corrosion Given the matching symptoms and error code, I suggest moving forward with the antenna repair sooner rather than later, as these issues typically worsen over time and could potentially leave you stranded if the key recognition fails completely.

Thanks for sharing those details about your experience. The matching error code B1562 and similar symptoms are reassuring, seems like I'm dealing with the exact same antenna control module problem you had. Good to know the repair was straightforward and permanent. The deteriorating radio reception while driving really caught my attention since I'm experiencing the identical issue. I'll definitely prioritize getting this fixed soon, especially hearing that my corroded antenna mount could lead to complete key system failure. I've scheduled a workshop visit for next week. Will have them check all the antenna connections and replace any corroded wiring, plus get that protective coating you mentioned to prevent future issues. The 2-hour repair time and 95€ cost seems very reasonable for addressing both the key fob and car radio problems. Just one last thing, while waiting for the repair, should I expect the key fob range to keep getting worse? I'm starting to carry the physical key as backup, but wondering if there are any precautions I should take in the meantime.